Manila: Sen. Erwin Tulfo on Tuesday proposed the imposition of severe penalties on social media platforms that consistently fail to remove violent and graphic content involving children, as senators showed support for stronger measures against harmful online material.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a privilege speech, Tulfo questioned the effectiveness of the community standards enforced by major social media platforms, highlighting the online spread of disturbing images and videos related to recent school shootings in Zamboanga City and Tacloban City. He emphasized that crime and the suffering of victims should not be treated as entertainment or content, and the faces of child victims or suspects should not become viral materials.
Tulfo clarified that the proposed intervention should not impede legitimate journalism, public-interest reporting, or lawful expression. Instead, it should compel platforms to enforce their own rules and protect minors' dignity, privacy, and safety. He advocated for a law imposing heavy fines or penalties on social media platforms that repeatedly allow prohibited content, especially those depicting violence against children.
Senate President Win Gatchalian and Senators Vicente Sotto III, Joel Villanueva, Risa Hontiveros, and Raffy Tulfo supported Tulfo's speech. They raised concerns about platform algorithms, monetization, and the necessity for locally accountable social media company representatives. Gatchalian referenced an ongoing federal trial in the United States involving Meta, where 29 states allege Facebook and Instagram were designed with features addictive to children, a claim Meta denies.
Gatchalian expressed concern about violent or controversial material attracting online attention and its impact on young users. Hontiveros suggested that internet and social media stakeholders should have a juridical entity and representatives based in the Philippines to facilitate coordination with law enforcement agencies when harm occurs.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo emphasized that online safety should be part of a broader child-protection system, including anti-bullying programs, responsible parenting, safer schools, and early intervention for children displaying serious emotional or behavioral warning signs.
The issue gained urgency following the Aug. 18 shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School, where disturbing material related to the attack circulated online. The Department of Social Welfare and Development appealed to the public to stop sharing details that could cause secondary trauma to those affected. Reports indicated that the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center noted Philippine authorities' current jurisdictional limitations in compelling foreign platforms to remove harmful material promptly.
Tulfo argued that social media platforms should not profit from material involving death and violence simply because it generates engagement, asserting that private profits should not come at the public's expense due to negligence.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri concluded the discussion by moving to refer Tulfo's privilege speech and the senators' manifestations to the committee on public information.
